Back in 2024, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a glaring need at defensive tackle. To fix it, they signed Arik Armstead to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million. At the time, the move made sense because Armstead was coming off an injury-marred season but had been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL since the San Francisco 49ers made him a first-round pick in 2015. However, things haven't panned out the way the Jags envisioned.
The former Oregon Duck left much to be desired in his first season in Jacksonville, logging a measly two sacks in 17 games. And after a hot start in 2025, he faded down the stretch. Sure, you could argue that injuries have still held Armstead back with the Jags, but his production simply hasn't matched his pay rate. Thus, it's not particularly shocking to see him pop up on a list of candidates.
Jaguars DL Arik Armstead was just dubbed a cut candidate
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed the most likely cut candidates in the NFL after the initial free agency spending. He included Arik Armstead, arguing that releasing the veteran defensive tackle would allow the Jaguars to clear a substantial amount of cap space. Here's the skinny.
"The 11-year vet appeared in 16 games for Jacksonville in 2025 and finished with 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and even seven tackles for a loss," Knox wrote. "However, Jacksonville could save $14.5 millions in cap space by releasing Armstead after June 1. That could matter because the Jags are near the bottom of the league with just $6.9 million in effective cap space."
Knox continued, "Cap constraints have, to this point, prevented the Jaguars from being overly active in free agency. Jacksonville did re-sign a handful of players and add running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. However, it hasn't made any splash additions and lost Travis Etienne Jr. and Quay Walker to other teams in free agency."
For the sake of clarity, Jacksonville didn't lose Quay Walker but rather saw Devin Lloyd bolt for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. With that out of the way, Knox makes a valid point when he says that releasing Armstead would give the Jags significant cap relief. However, Mia O'Brien of ESPN Radio says that it's her understanding that they'll hold onto Armstead in 2026 but won't tweak his contract.
This makes sense when you take into account that the Sacramento, California native is entering the last year of the deal he signed in 2023, and the team's brass doesn't want to keep pushing cap money into the future just to get immediate relief, which is precisely why they don't have much space to begin with.
And that's the thing, the Jags won't want Armstead to have a cap hit in 2026 if he isn't going to be on the roster next year. Moreover, there's another reason why cutting him may not be likely.
Arik Armstead is the only good defensive tackle the Jaguars have
Before you raise your pitchforks, yes, DaVon Hamilton excels at stuffing the run and taking on double teams. On the other hand, he doesn't bring much to the table as a pass rusher. Knowing that, Arik Armstead is the only defensive tackle on the Jaguars who can bring the heat from the interior. Sure, a hand injury hindered his production last year, but Jacksonville doesn't have any compelling options behind him and Ham.
For that reason, the interior defensive line has been routinely brought up as the Jags' biggest need ahead of the draft. For the sake of the argument, let's say the front office takes two defensive tackles in the upcoming NFL Draft, the coaching staff would be able to groom them while Armstead is still around. While he may be past his prime, his vast experience makes him a valuable mentor.
But even if the Jags only draft on defensive tackle, having Armstead around for another season would allow them to address other priorities and keep bolstering the interior trenches next year.
When you add it all up, the Jaguars are better off keeping Arik Armstead for another season, even if his salary hasn't matched his production.